By Maxwell Woyram Tsigbe
The Black Stars of Ghana have yet again failed to shine bright after the El Tri of Mexico dimmed their beams by two goals to nil (2-0) in their international pre-World Cup friendly, a score line that extends Ghana’s winless streak to five consecutive match losses.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts took the lead just two minutes into the game after Ghana’s Benjamin Asare committed a costly goalkeeper blunder that gave Mexican forward Brian Gutiérrez the opportunity to strike home the opener for his side.
Despite being almost an entirely new squad, the Black Stars team was potentials-studded who were expected to secure slots for themselves in Carlos Queiroz’s final tournament list on June 1. They, however, could not withstand the persistent pressure from the Mexicans.
Although his mistake gave the El Tri the lead, Asare never got dispirited as he redeemed himself by making a brilliant save to deny the Mexican their second goal from close range moments after the opener.
Ghana only came close to making any impact in the opening half when Felix Afena-Gyan struck in the box but could not guide it into the net.
The Mexicans dominance and perseverance resulted in what could have been their second goal before the recess but was unfortunately ruled out for offside. However, they maintained composure, controlled the tempo of the game and went into the dressing room with a goal to their credit.
Ghana returned from the recess in high spirit and showed signs of determination by rattling the crossbar with a powerful strike which only deflected back into the Mexican defence.
Mexico on the other hand were eventually rewarded for their relentless efforts after Guillermo Martínez defied the tactics of Ghana’s defence to hit the back of the Stars’ net for El Tri’s second goal.
All attempts by the Ghanaian side to secure at least a consoling goal proved futile before the final whistle. This means that since Ghana’s 1-0 win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Comoros in October 2025, the Black Stars are yet to record a win after five consecutive matches.
It remains to be seen if the Stars will change the narrative in their next international friendly against Wales before the World Cup. It must also be noted that this recent defeat against Mexico was under the supervision of assistant coach Desmond Ofei who stepped in for Carlos Queiroz.